The new Italian national football coach Luciano Spalletti wants to build on the legendary successes of the past with the Squadra Azzurra.
“I remember the fantastic 4-3 win against Germany and I hope to live that dream again,” said the new coach at his presentation in Coverciano near Florence on Saturday.
His goal is to write Italian football history like great coaches like Vittorio Pozzo, Enzo Bearzot or Marcello Lippi. And with the national team, offer performances like in the so-called game of the century at the 1970 World Cup against Germany.
“I thank the association for entrusting me with this wonderful task. Being here as head coach is an indescribable feeling, a dream that comes from afar,” Spalletti continued.
Italy coach Spalletti to end “unforeseen crisis”.
The 64-year-old, who last won the championship with SSC Napoli, replaces Roberto Mancini, who resigned on August 13 and became Saudi Arabia’s national coach.
“We have responded in style to an important crisis, putting anger aside. There have been disappointments, we cannot deny that. But now we are beginning a new story, a new chapter,” said Italian Football Federation FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
“In a few days we had to deal with an unforeseen crisis. But we were lucky to find a person whose qualities are revealed to everyone: I was struck by Spalletti’s human side, as well as by his innovative ideas and qualities, which I immediately appreciated “Gravina stressed.